Exhibition, inspiration or intimidation

[Gerard]

Hi all, I'm a bit of a newby (actually, I think this may be my first post) & recently attended the Waverly Bonsai clubs show. Not sure they had any 'beginners' trees on display however they did have demonstrations in a separate area for beginners & I found this very interesting, I got a lot more out of that than simply seeing beginners trees.

Hi Daniel, it is nice to see you put your ideas on display

[Jeff]

below

[Jeff]

Responding to:
Hi Fos, unfortunately outdoor/tented settings are a nightmare, not only for the unpredictable weather, but also security especially on a multi day show - it's been tried before and things go walking. Also, for those not aware, the venue hire fees for a simple two day exhibition is by far the single biggest expense most clubs have on their books annually (even bigger than the cost for 12 months of club meeting venue hire!) therefore clubs do what they can afford, and as such paid entry (while it doesn't cover venue hire) acts as an important subsidy to the overall cost. Galleries are great if you've only a got small number of bonsai on show?, and hire fees can be coved by potential sales revenue?, or generous sponsorship?, (Jeff I'd be interested to see more coverage of your event and hear some more details - number of bonsai on show - venue affordability - and the choice/viability of free entry please), but when you've got more than 100 trees on show & trading room & demonstrations, you need a more suitable venue.

‘Impressions of Japan’ was a collaboration with photographer Nicole Reed (http://www.nicolereed.photography/ ) and Tattoo artist Andrew McLeod of Chapel Tattoos (http://www.chapeltattoo.com/artists/ ) curated by Chojo Feature Trees (http://www.chojo.com.au/ ). The choice to exhibit bonsai with the work of these successful artist was intentional in order to broaden the audience out side of the bonsai circles. The venue was Grey Gardens (http://www.greygardensprojects.com/ ), an art gallery just off of Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. We decided to exhibit 16 trees plus 10-12 higher end trees displayed at the pop up shop (in a separate area) which included pots and kusamono. We promoted the show through a press release that went to entertainment, design and art publications as well as heavily promoted on social media. A Sydney publication, The Planthunter, promoted the exhibition with a cover story (http://theplanthunter.com.au/people/pro ... ure-trees/ ).
The gallery has a café and bar that provided the guests refreshments and meals throughout the event. Fitzroy Nursery promoted the show two weeks prior to the event displaying advanced bonsai in front window along side promotional material. This was very effective to create interest throughout the community. After deciding on which trees to display, we built individual plinths for each tree built out of recycled industrial packing material.

We did not charge for the event as its objective was to have as many people experience high quality bonsai as possible.. The RSVP for the event was over 1500 people and the launch party (on Friday night) was nearly at capacity.

The purpose of the exhibition was not to create revenue but to promote the nursery and bonsai, as an art form, however financially the exercise would have covered costs through sales. We were prepared to take a loss on the event in order to increase the long-term interest in bonsai.

We organized the event in under three months with two people from Chojo coordinating the exhibition.

You can see photos and comments from the event here. https://www.facebook.com/chojo.featuretrees .

Bonsai is entirely about aesthetics. Presenting bonsai is no different than displaying any art form. The environment in which it is displayed is crucial in order to enhance the potential of the composition.

Its interesting to here people suggest they should listen to the members when it’s the one day of the year that it is not about the members, its about the general public that will provide you with new members. Every other day and event can be about the members.

I love the outdoor concept (It may help with costs). Light is so much better and as far as I know, most club events are only one-day events. Is theft an issue at suburban bonsai club shows?

Showing anywhere near 100 trees is only going to compromise the quality of an event. I feel 50 would be too many. The public will respond to quality not quantity.

Regardless of what direction a club chooses to head in, it is all in the effort to push bonsai forward and I acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.

Jeff

[Gerard]

A great effort Jeff, fresh ideas and a new audience with the emphasis on quality not quantity. Very inspirational!

The differences in opinion in this thread are strong and the differences in presentation from one club to the next is an advantage not a problem. What will inspire somebody to take up bonsai as a hobby will vary. Some will see a display where a novice of less than a year will show their entire collection of 5 or 6 trees. While some would leave unimpressed others will think this is attainable and join in. The next club will attempt to show the highest possible quality and succeed in pleasing the viewer but have them leave with the belief that this cannot be achieved.
Responses have been all about recruiting new members, I understand the importance of this as will many of the contributors but why do we grow bonsai?
To create something beautiful?
What if nobody sees it?
Do we have a right to insist that others must take up the hobby?
If we leave out thoughts of having lots of numbers and making lots of sales, is it important that people who enjoy viewing bonsai make bonsai?
I think it is a time to dismiss the commercial interests and simply enjoy the show!

[longd_au]

Exhibition is to inspire. Inspiration raises lots of questions and the attitude towards the questions can intimidate and scare people away.
This is basically how I feel but I have thick skin driven by my obsession with the techniques to create my own show stopping bonsai.

To explain my comment, I can give you a little example. Several years ago, I went to see an orchid show and there was a bonsai display with some amazing trees.
I stood there looking for awhile hoping someone would talk to me. No one did. When the opportunity did arise to talk, my questions were responded with short, one word answers. I felt these people weren't interested in sharing the knowledge. I quietly carried on setting up growth beds, search online for pre-bonsai stock etc.

In comparison, I bumped into Neil from Shibui at another bonsai show a few years later. We chatted a little and in that short time, he would share his knowledge and opinion. It is very easy to talk to Neil and he would freely share his knowledge without hesitation.

I believe people go to shows to see inspirational material. It is when people are inspired that they want to be a part of it. It is at this point that the attitude of those in the show is important if we want to turn inspiration into new talent and members. An area with some fairly advance bonsai that is not quite masterpieces but shows great potential can help bridge this gap with inspiration and convincing members it is achievable.
I think showing every member's bonsai regardless of level does little to raise the standard.
From reading forums and looking at some of the stocks, I think the level of perception of what is a bonsai is still very large. Ebay does not help either with people sticking a twig in a ceramic pot and selling it at expensive prices.
It would be wrong to see twigs in pots in proper bonsai shows just because it allowed every members to participate. I read in this post that a lot of people left because they felt left out. I have a feeling that has a lot to do with the attitude of those they talked to. It is a management of perceptions. If I was a member, I don't mind not having any of my trees in shows provided I feel I am learning and heading in the right direction. Maybe one day, one of my tree is in a show.

To be honest, I felt like leaving Ausbonsai several times. It is people like Treeman, Neil and others that kept me here. In some way, Ausbonsai is a bonsai show. An area to inspire and to learn.

[Piscineidiot]

Personally, I think that drawing more people and new hobbyists into the hobby isn't going to be done simply by displaying more 'bonsai in progress'.

As someone who studies the way people think (doing a PhD in communicating science to sectors of the public), I'd suggest that a more direct, and personal approach needs to be taken.

Really, if we are going to draw more people in, we need to be freer with our knowledge (rather than simply telling the potential new entrant that they ought to join a club), and be more interactive.

Putting a bunch of developing trees on a table is not going to have nearly the same benefit to this hobby as perhaps, running workshops that SHOW people how you can turn an affordable piece of material into a beautiful bonsai with a little know-how.

I know most shows already do this, but personally, I would be putting more focus into THAT aspect, as opposed to agonizing over whether we should put more 'attainable' trees on display. A more informal approach too is likely to be appreciated. For example, club members/more experienced hobbyists hanging back ready to answer any questions that members of the public might have. No hard-selling, just good, honest information.

Making a hobby seem 'personable' goes a LONG way towards getting people to want to participate.

As an artist and a new hobbyist, I (more personally), like to see high quality material on display. It gives me something to aspire to and says to me that there is someone here who can teach me how to make a tree like that. I'd imagine that's the response you want, not: "That's not that special, I could do that at home..."

If you're worried about presenting an 'attainable' image to the public, I'd say the workshop I suggested above would go a long way towards that. Turning an affordable tree into something quite spectacular is easily done by many of the experienced bonsai artists on this forum, and shows the public how (quite literally), with a little know how, you too could make something like this. Sketching out future development, and talking through the process etc. would further add value and appeal.

Not really being a 'club' type person myself, I don't completely understand the social dynamics of what goes on in clubs. But I feel the question needs to be asked:

"Will not putting this person's 'tree in progress' on display at the expense of much more refined material hurt their feelings?"

If the answer is "Yes", and the trees are put on display to appease club members, then the goal is politics, NOT increasing public interest in the art. Certainly not an invalid decision, but perhaps a motivation worth questioning in the long-term?

It's always going to be a compromise, and I certainly do not envy those in a position to make said compromise/decision.

Anyway, just my input towards the discussion. No offense intended, of course.

Cheers,

Owen

[treeman]

I saw an idea once in some mag I think, where the show organizers set up a small display of shimpaku. (I think - but it could be any species). They arranged in order: a rooted cutting in a tube; a four year old in a plastic pot; a six year old in a larger plastic pot; a pruned tree in a plasic pot; a pruned and wired tree in a plastic pot; a ''finished'' tree in a display pot.
I can't remember exactly how many ''steps'' where presented but they were all lined up in a straight line on one table. It struck me as a very good way to clearly illustrate to the general public (of any age) the various steps in the development of a bonsai.

[cre8ivbonsai]

Hi Jeff, thanks for the added insight into your exhibition. Looks like it went really well, nice displays (the Three Atlas Cedars on Radiata Pine bark looks amazing) and well attended some familiar and well known faces too

Cudos for bridging that gap between club shows, commercial bonsai nursery and artistic community. I commend your enthusiasm and dedication.

I think perspective is important to note, as this was a discussion based from the club point of view, that is the lens I had been reading and commenting through. Now if you'll allow me to change glasses ...

... Seeing it from a commercial/independent perspective, there are many opportunities to develop, hopefully with the support of clubs, nurseries and more.

I think a visit to Chojo might be in order, it's been a while, but look forward to see how your 'new' nursery site has developed.

[cre8ivbonsai]

I saw an idea once in some mag I think, where the show organizers set up a small display of shimpaku. (I think - but it could be any species). They arranged in order: a rooted cutting in a tube; a four year old in a plastic pot; a six year old in a larger plastic pot; a pruned tree in a plasic pot; a pruned and wired tree in a plastic pot; a ''finished'' tree in a display pot.
I can't remember exactly how many ''steps'' where presented but they were all lined up in a straight line on one table. It struck me as a very good way to clearly illustrate to the general public (of any age) the various steps in the development of a bonsai.

YVBS had a similar progression room at their show a few years back... not being a member I can't comment on how well it was received? (though the following year it made way for a trading room...)

[peterb]

I've followed this post with interest , had my own thoughts and also seen some fantastic ideas come out such as Owen's , Mikes and Jeff's to name a few. It's also one of the reasons i like this forum , as generally we can have a discussion with differing opinions without getting personal . Well done everyone long live ausbonsai
Peterb

[mountainman]

This simple question, certainly opened a can of worms.Bonsai is for all.Certainly a separate section for beginners is all that needs to happen.At Bonsai Society of Australia ,this coming weekend which is their annual show,{50yrs] this year, at the Castle Hill Showground, should be great.They have a section for beginners,called Beautiful Beginnings.I have seen tree's start in this section,and now moved on to the rightful place,amongst all the display tree'. It's a great way to encourage newbies,or all the show's will die out in one generation.We need all the young people we can get....

[valjean]

I'm sitting here listening to Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie while I type this but I agree with Mountainman, we need all the young people we can get, otherwise it will be "All Over Baby Blue". In Sydney you are lucky to get anyone under 50 in a club. The Bonsai Society Show at the Castle Hill Showground is part of the Hills Council Orange Blossom and Arts Festival so plenty to see if you are bored with bonsai.

[Josh]

I saw an idea once in some mag I think, where the show organizers set up a small display of shimpaku. (I think - but it could be any species). They arranged in order: a rooted cutting in a tube; a four year old in a plastic pot; a six year old in a larger plastic pot; a pruned tree in a plasic pot; a pruned and wired tree in a plastic pot; a ''finished'' tree in a display pot.
I can't remember exactly how many ''steps'' where presented but they were all lined up in a straight line on one table. It struck me as a very good way to clearly illustrate to the general public (of any age) the various steps in the development of a bonsai.

I have talked about this exact idea at our last two shows. Having a display showing various stages of the trees development from beginning to end. Would take some planning but what better way to show the process to building a bonsai.
At a recent display I had the chance to talk to s small group of people about the reason for doing certain things to a tree. That each bonsai should tell a story of why it looks like it does. It's been blown by wind, washed by water, hit by lightning, growing on a mountain, beside a rock, damaged by animals. They had no idea we actually had a reason for jins, shari etc. the general public know very little if anything about bonsai so anything we can teach them is good.

Josh.

[fossil finder]

OK so stretching thoughts on the 'progression' series concept a little. Such a innovation wouldn't be detracting from the bonsai event because these plants would be displayed seperately to actual show bonsai. Instead of looking at this as a distraction from the show it should be considered a valid attraction in itself showcasing techniques and promoting bonsai. This idea and displaying other plants 'in training' is an obvious opportunity for newcomers to be involved and some of their plants be displayed in context. I think including different art forms is always going to be a positive angle for promoting bonsai particularly in rural areas where there may only be a few bonsai enthusists/artists.

I attend various regional gem shows held throughout NSW annually and think they would be an ideal opportunity for bonsai groups to display. Minerama at Glen Innes is one such weekend event. They safely display valuable jewelly, fossil specimens and lapidary supplies inside the RSL with a large car-boot sale directly outside where you can buy gem and mineral rough/lapidary tools from miners/collectors.

The direct association bonsai naturally has with rocks would make marry with such an event. People come from all over for gem shows and many bonsai enthusiasts would find them an interesting opportunity to purchase rocks, digging tools, sieves etc. Lismore and Armidale also hold popular gems shows. The list of events and locations can be found at http://www.gemcuts.com.au . Agricultural shows in regional Australia may be another way of promoting bonsai.

[Jason]

Exhibition is to inspire. Inspiration raises lots of questions and the attitude towards the questions can intimidate and scare people away.
This is basically how I feel but I have thick skin driven by my obsession with the techniques to create my own show stopping bonsai.

To explain my comment, I can give you a little example. Several years ago, I went to see an orchid show and there was a bonsai display with some amazing trees.
I stood there looking for awhile hoping someone would talk to me. No one did. When the opportunity did arise to talk, my questions were responded with short, one word answers. I felt these people weren't interested in sharing the knowledge. I quietly carried on setting up growth beds, search online for pre-bonsai stock etc.

I think this is a massive point, not only do the shows need to draw the people in, but the people walking the floor need to do so as well.

That is why i love being a 'floor walker' at our shows, as not only to I get to talk about something I'm passionate about, but I get to share and spread that passion with others and watch it take hold of them too I think that the floor walkers have the power to make the art a lot more 'real' to people who have come to look, and not as intimidating, or difficult as it might seem to the casual eye. If you were to remove the beginners section, then I think the floor walkers would need to step up to help the general public understand where these tree's came from, and that it isn't quite as hard as they might think

I remember one guy on the weekend who i spent an hour talking with because he was just so curious about the art. He just had so many questions, and one led another which led to another and in the end I'd pretty much given him a guided tour of the entire show and each tree within it. I talked myself hoarse, but I honestly had no problem with it, because in the end, he took an application form for the club and I'm confident that I'll see him again at the next meeting. Not only that, but I could tell that it has well and truely planted the seed in his head, and I can see that continuing to grow even if he wasn't to sign up. There were a number of people like that, and whilst I didn't spend as long with each of them, the fact that I was able to talk to them, and answer there questions, I think will really lead to them wanting to give it a shot themselves.